Kenya Make History as Morocco Join Them in CHAN Quarterfinals

Kenya Make History as Morocco Join Them in CHAN Quarterfinals

Co-hosts Kenya made a dream start to their African Nations Championship (CHAN) debut by advancing to the quarterfinals after a tense 1-0 victory over Zambia in Nairobi on Sunday.

Ryan Ogam was the hero of the night, scoring the decisive goal in the 75th minute to send the Harambee Stars to the top of Group A. The home side came into the match needing only to avoid defeat to secure their place in the knockouts, but Ogam’s strike ensured they finished the group in style.

Morocco also sealed their spot in the last eight after overcoming the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) 3-1 in a high-stakes clash. Oussama Lamlioui opened the scoring for the North Africans early in the game, before Jephte Kitambala equalized for the DRC just before halftime.

The defending champions restored their lead when Mohamed Hrimat converted a penalty with 20 minutes left, and Lamlioui doubled his tally in the 80th minute to seal the win. Morocco, two-time champions, finished second in the group behind Kenya.

In the quarterfinals, Kenya will take on Madagascar, while Morocco face co-hosts Tanzania in Dar es Salaam on Friday.

Meanwhile in Europe, Japan international Ritsu Doan marked his Eintracht Frankfurt debut in style, scoring twice as the German Cup winners thrashed fifth-tier side Engers 5-0 in the first round of the competition. Doan’s goals came on either side of halftime, with Jean-Matteo Bahoya, Elye Wahi, and Paxten Aaronson also on target. Frankfurt’s victory underlined their attacking depth ahead of the new Bundesliga season.

Five-time German Cup winners Borussia Dortmund are set to play against neighbors Essen on Monday.